The poetic installations of Betye Saar (*1926) inspire reflection and reverie, yet their origins lie in a completely different realm: With her installations, objects, and drawings, the American artist reflects on Black identity, the history of racism in the United States, and the pervasive discrimination in Western society. Betye Saar harnesses the power of poetry to create an intense, often mystical exploration of oppressive themes. For her assemblages, which can also be understood as visual activism, the artist draws inspiration from her travels, as well as from religion and mysticism. Betye Saar's artistic work is often autobiographical, but also speaks in a universal way about the collective experience of Black people in the USA and its history—from slavery following the colonization of America in 1492 to the present day. Betye Saar uses found objects and everyday items that she finds at swap meets, flea markets, or estate sales. These materials testify to her interest in the concrete as well as the magical, in the inseparability of art and life.
